Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.
7.40am Pets at Home hires first CIO
Pets at Home has hired United Utilities’ tech chief William Hewish as CIO, a new position for the pets retailer.
Hewish has spent the last six years at United Utilities leading its technology, data and business change teams. He previously held senior tech roles in Lloyds Pharmacy, DeVere Hotels and Booker.
Hewish will report into chief executive Peter Pritchard when he joins the business in early 2019.
7.01am United Carpets profits fall but recent trading rallies
Profits plunged from £589,000 to £121,000 at United Carpets, the UK’s third biggest carpet and floorings retailer, after “very challenging” first half but it sees “encouraging signs” in recent performance.
Like-for-likes fell 1.8% in the six months to September 30 but in the 11 weeks since the period end this returned to positive territory at 0.1% growth. Total sales for the half rose 8.4% to £10.8m.
